Infant Articles

Baby Food: Jars, Pouches, or Both?

By Dr. Abramson

Many parents select organic food for their little ones, to ensure that their developing bodies enjoy nourishment without artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. Organic agricultural foods are grown without the use of potentially harmful pesticides and genetically modified organisms. As a parent, you've probably thought a lot about the food you give your baby. But have you thought much about the container it comes in?

You've probably noticed the proliferation of baby food in pouches. Maybe it's got you wondering whether pouches are better than jars. As it happens, each has benefits when it comes to helping your child learn good eating habits. Here's the story.

Jars

Baby food has been sold in jars since 1931, so it has a long tradition. Economic and eco-friendly jars are great at home and come in a wider variety of flavors and textures than food sold in pouches, though that is changing. In addition, baby food packaged in jars has a longer shelf-life (around 2 years) than in pouches (approximately 1 year). That makes stocking up during sales a good idea. And of course, glass jars allow you (and your child) to see what's inside.

Feeding your baby food that's packaged in a jar means using a spoon, and that's important for your child to learn! Eating meals together as a family also helps your child learn and build good table manners and social skills. It's good to know that Earth's Best jarred food blends are made with only the freshest organic fruits and vegetables.

Pouches

Light and travel-friendly, pouches offer great convenience You can tote them along almost anywhere, and because they're resealable, you can stow any unused portions in the fridge. Baby food pouches also allow your little one to feed himself — they help him develop dexterity and independence. That frees you up, too! Pouches are also a great way to continue getting wholesome fruits and vegetables into your little one as he moves into what are sometimes the picky toddler years.

Earth's Best® is the first complete line of organic infant nutrition. With over 90 jar varieties and 35 pouches, you can expand your baby's taste horizons both at home and on the go.